Truss attacks Labor's 'sneaky' Bluecard push

Shadow Federal Minister for Transport Warren Truss says the Coalition will continue to prevent any further plans by the Government to give unions greater access to transport companies.

Truss says the attempt by the Government to pass an amendment on the Fair Work Bill which would have allowed unions access to transport companies regardless of union representation was a "sneaky" and "outrageous" act of contempt for transport operators.

"This amendment was not included in the Fair Work Bill when it was presented to the House of Representatives," he says.

"The Rudd Government attempted to slip this amendment into the Fair Work Bill late at night in the Senate.

"That they would do so without any notice or consultation with the industry is outrageous, clearly the Government was hoping no one would notice.

"Nothing could demonstrate more clearly this Government’s contempt for an industry that provides the livelihood for so many working Australians."

Truss also accused the Government of using the 'Bluecard' training scheme to raise more money for the Labor Party through the unions.

"The Bluecard safety awareness training is given by a Transport Workers Union-affiliated company and such an arrangement would have resulted in yet more money being poured in union coffers and ultimately siphoned to the Labor Party," he says.

"The Coalition will remain alert to other attempts by the Government to add to union power and attack small business under the guise of industrial legislation."